Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Overview
Itinerary
Your tour opens in Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, where rocky hills tower in the distance and the shadows of history can be seen around every corner. Discover Scotland's capital and see how medieval crossroads blend seamlessly with a vibrant modern energy.
This evening, delve into Scottish culture with a whisky-inspired dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland. (D) Stay: Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (2 Nights)
Today get acquainted with Scotland's regal capital on a locally guided city tour exploring both the Old and New Towns. Explore the Royal Mile on foot and visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Later this evening, take your seat at the spectacular, world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events. (B)
Depart Edinburgh, traveling through the picturesque countryside of Northumberland. Visit a family farm situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, where sustainability and innovation are core to their business. Continue to Hexham Abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England. Then, head south to York, with its historic city walls. (B) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton York (2 Nights)
Take in York's rich and storied history while joining your Tour Manager on a leisurely orientation walking tour. Explore the quaint, narrow streets of the ‘Shambles' that appear today almost as they did during the Middle Ages. At the heart of the city is its impressive Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Venture inside and stand in awe of the seemingly endless sea of stained-glass windows. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, enjoy traditional fare at a local pub for dinner. (B/D)
Board a high-speed train to London. Upon arriving in England's bustling capital, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Afterward, join a local expert for a panoramic city tour. At Westminster, see the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and continue to Buckingham Palace, the London home to Britain's royalty since 1837. (B/L) Stay: Meliá White House (2 Nights)
Enjoy a day to explore this incredible city at your leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle. Originally built to guard the city of London, Windsor Castle has been the home of kings and queens for nine centuries and is the oldest royal residence still in use today. (B)
Travel to Stonehenge, the mysterious formation that dates back to the Stone Age. Explore theories on how the colossal stones arrived at the location and their purpose. Continue to the elegant Georgian town of Bath to visit the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas. Stroll through Bath's cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Your day ends in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. (B) Stay: Clayton Hotel (2 Nights)
Join a local expert on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the city's deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome, and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Tour Cardiff's historic castle, an impressive structure that was once a Roman fort, a Norman castle, and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace.
This afternoon, it's your choice! You may choose to accompany your Tour Manager to St. Fagan's National Museum of History, an open-air museum chronicling the history, culture and architecture of the Welsh people -OR- enjoy time to explore Cardiff at your leisure.
Tonight, dive into Wales' rich cultural heritage when you join local artists for an evening of Welsh music, poetry and cuisine. (B/D)
Take in the beautiful Welsh countryside en route to the coastal village of Fishguard. There, board the ferry for Ireland, crossing the Irish Sea.
Upon arrival in Rosslare, travel to Tramore in County Waterford, your home for the evening. (B/D) Stay: Majestic Hotel
This morning, it's your choice! Tour the House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitor's center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world -OR- enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of Ireland's oldest city and discover its Viking, Norman and Cromwellian history.
Later, travel to historic Blarney Castle. Make your way to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you do, you will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence." This evening it's Diner's Choice… tonight's dinner is included and you'll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Killarney's great restaurants. (B/D) Stay: Scotts Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, explore Killarney National Park on a traditional jaunting car ride. Then, travel along the glorious Ring of Kerry where you'll find some of Ireland's most magical scenery. Marvel at the vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, lakes and picturesque villages. Enjoy an evening in Killarney at your leisure. (B)
Venture through the “Golden Vale” en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Take in its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached.
Continue on to vibrant Dublin, Ireland's cosmopolitan capital. (B) Stay: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham (2 Nights)
Today, it's your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city's historic center, exploring St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin's charms on your own.
Tonight, experience Ireland's lively music and dynamic dancing during a fun-filled evening of Irish entertainment. (B/D)
Depart today with many fond memories of lovely Britain and Ireland. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Behold the sights of Killarney on a traditional jaunting car.
- Visit an innovative 500-acre family farm in the Scottish Borders.
- Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish song and dance in Dublin.
- Take in the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Ponder ancient mysteries at Stonehenge.
- Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's great coastal roads.
- Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.
- Visit York's incredible Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
- Delve into Scottish culture with a whisky-inspired dinner.
- Explore Wales' rich cultural heritage at an evening of Welsh music, poetry and cuisine.
- Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Dublin. Cost: $119.
- Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at a historic pub where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint and learn about a different yet key part of Ireland's history. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Reservations will not be accepted within 7 days of departure. This option is not offered on St. Patrick's Day or Easter Sunday. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult and may not participate in the tasting at Guinness Storehouse.
- Location: London. Cost: $91.
- Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed! Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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